A Reflection on the ALYANSA Majority, 2004-2005
For better or for worse, the first ALYANSA majority in the University Student Council back in 2004 would always be a fertile ground for debate. Its impressive sweep of the USC, its ensuing governance by an alliance of moderates and independents, and its subsequent inability to repeat a victory until 2007 is paradise for speculation. Nonetheless, as a member of that majority, my personal take on the Council is this --- excited with the prospect of victory, we knew we were at the cusp of sweeping change in the University. Looking back, we knew we succeeded on many fronts, and failed in some others. Nonetheless, we knew one thing for certain --- we showed UP the exciting possibilities of a more inclusive partnership in the USC.
The big idea that guided the ALYANSA majority in the USC was simple --- deliver accountable, visible and competent leadership. We wanted to show that we could do things differently. We wanted to show that moderates and independents could achieve a legacy in the USC. We wanted to show that our brand of leadership embodied character, competence and common sense.
To be accountable, to be visible and to embody competent leadership, this we did in the USC. We leveled down a debt, hundreds of thousands of pesos worth, to a first-ever surplus. The Ikot USC, showcasing the continued presence of the Council in colleges, dorms and orgs, succeeded in making the Council more visible for the first time in years. The campaign for a progressive UP Charter passage also took flight in our Council, resulting in its passage into law in 2008.
Human as we are, we had our shortcomings. We had lots of them, for sure. We knew that much of our work remained unfinished. Nonetheless, I guess, it was meant to be that way. As the work for progress always remains incomplete, there is always room for better ways of leading, of being, of doing. There would be leaders in ALYANSA much better than us, who would achieve more, who would bring us closer to that promise of change.
Thus, long after we have had our day in the USC, we remain fired up with that promise. Even as we have moved on to our individual fields, we continue to give back and guide our juniors in ALYANSA. Indeed, if there was ALYANSA taught us, it was this --- majority or not, the work for an inclusive, progressive, principled partnership with the University and country remains.
Patrick John “Pats” Alcantara
Faculty Member, Xavier School
BA Psychology (2006)
MA Basic Education Teaching, AdMU (2007-to date)
Councilor, University Student Council (2004-2005)
Vice-Chairperson for Education, ALYANSA (2005-2006)
Founding President, UP SIKAT
